University students across Kenya continue to grapple with uncertainty and disruption as the lecturers’ strike enters another week, with no resolution in sight. The nationwide strike, spearheaded by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), has persisted despite the government’s release of Sh4.3 billion to address lecturers’ demands.
UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga remains firm in his stance, stating the strike will not be called off until the government clears the full Sh5.4 billion balance required to implement the Return to Work Formula (RTWF). The total cost of the RTWF is Sh9.7 billion, of which only a portion has been funded.
Speaking during a meeting with the National Assembly’s Education Committee on Thursday, Wasonga reiterated the union’s position, emphasizing that verbal commitments from the government are insufficient. “The strike is on until we get the Sh9.7 billion. We have taken the Sh4.3 billion, but the government must tell us how we are getting the Sh5.4 billion, and it will not be done verbally,” he stated.
Wasonga also urged union members to remain resolute, saying, “Strike until you get money in your bank account.”
Students and Parents Bear the Brunt
As the standoff drags on, the impact on students has been severe. Learning in universities remains paralyzed, leaving students stranded on campuses with little clarity about when normal academic activities will resume. Many students, already dealing with the financial and emotional strain of disrupted studies, have expressed their frustration.
Parents, too, have voiced their concerns, calling on both parties to put aside their differences for the sake of the students. “This stalemate is hurting our children’s future. Both the government and lecturers must prioritize the students and come to an agreement,” a concerned parent in Nairobi remarked.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has echoed these sentiments, urging the striking lecturers and the government to find a resolution quickly. “The students remain the hardest hit as the ongoing strike continues to disrupt academic activities, taking a toll on them mentally and emotionally,” Omtatah noted last week. He emphasized the need for both parties to engage in constructive dialogue, adding that the deadlock has left many students vulnerable and disillusioned.
Government Efforts and UASU’s Demands
The government’s release of Sh4.3 billion was intended as a goodwill gesture to address part of the lecturers’ financial demands. However, UASU insists the funds are insufficient to fully meet the terms agreed upon in the RTWF.
The RTWF, signed after a previous strike, was supposed to ensure that lecturers receive their dues in full. According to Wasonga, the government must outline a clear and actionable plan for the disbursement of the remaining Sh5.4 billion to fully implement the agreement.
“The government’s allocation is a step forward, but it falls short of addressing the core issue. We cannot rely on verbal promises. A clear financial commitment is needed,” Wasonga emphasized during the parliamentary meeting.
Mounting Pressure for Resolution
With the strike showing no signs of abating, pressure continues to mount on both the government and UASU to reach a compromise. The National Assembly’s Education Committee has stepped in to mediate, aiming to find common ground and restore normalcy in universities.
Education stakeholders, including senators, parents, and advocacy groups, are urging both sides to prioritize the needs of students. Senator Omtatah highlighted the broader implications of the strike, warning that prolonged disruptions could have long-term effects on the country’s education system and workforce development.
“Kenya’s future depends on an educated and skilled workforce. This stalemate is jeopardizing not only the academic careers of thousands of students but also the nation’s prospects,” Omtatah remarked.
The Way Forward
As negotiations continue, the lecturers’ union has made it clear that it will not waver until all funds are disbursed. Meanwhile, students and parents remain caught in the crossfire, awaiting a resolution that seems elusive.
The government and UASU must urgently prioritize the resolution of this impasse. Dialogue, transparency, and compromise are essential to safeguard the academic future of thousands of students and restore confidence in Kenya’s higher education system.
